The Best Music Attractions in Liverpool

Liverpool is undoubtedly one of the best cities in the UK for diverse music attractions. From the famous Cavern Club to the upcoming British Music Experience, Liverpool offers an array of atmospheric music venues, bringing together the musicians and music lovers of the city.

Whether you’re planning a visit to Liverpool or you’re a local, there’s plenty to keep you entertained from day to night. From the city’s hidden gems, to its vibrant town centre, there’s simply no excuse for exploring Liverpool without some first-rate music.

The Cavern Club

Arguably Liverpool’s most iconic nightlife venue, The Cavern Club is famous for shaping the future of four Liverpool lads who went on to become The Beatles. The timeless band played at the club over 292 times, and it’s now one of the city’s leading tourist attractions.

You can be certain of a fantastic atmosphere at this legendary spot. And while music may have shifted since the Fab Four, the Cavern Club continues to bring crowds nostalgic, great live music. You can expect performances every day from mid-afternoon until late evening.

For those searching for some Beatles tunes, the club regularly showcases Made in Liverpool, the first Beatles tribute band to play at the club when it re-opened. All members of the group are Liverpudlians, so you can guarantee there won’t be any dodgy accents!

The Beatles Story

What better place to celebrate the band who shook the world than in their very own city?

With the world’s largest permanent Beatles exhibition, this is a must-see for tourists and often enjoyed by fans from the city who want to delve into the weird and wonderful world of the infamous four.

Guests are taken on a journey through time to see exactly how the Beatles rose to worldwide fame. Expect to discover how the boys met and get an inside look at the famous Abbey Road Studios.

British Music Experience

Due to open in March 2017, the British Music Experience is set to be one of the most exciting UK attractions of the year. The innovative new museum features over 600 items, including collections of iconic stage outfits, instruments and memorabilia for the public to admire.

Celebrating the best of British music from 1945 to the present day, you can look forward to seeing David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust costumes, along with the handwritten lyrics to Blue Monday by New Order. And with interactive apps to use throughout your visit, BME will offer an experience that we’re sure the kids will enjoy as much as you will.

You’ll find the exhibition located within the striking Cunard Building along the Pier Head, making this the perfect choice for an unforgettable family day out in the heart of the city.

Liverpool Philharmonic

Liverpool Philharmonic is a 1790-seater venue offering audiences the ultimate musical experience. Radiating class and elegance, the Philharmonic showcases live music ranging from classical to modern, along with comedy events and special film showings.

The Philharmonic is one of the city’s most treasured cultural venues. Founded in 1840 with stunning interior and exterior, it’s easy to see why.

The venue’s founders hoped that the space would “promote the love of music and music-making”, and it’s safe to say that while intertwining classical music with modern events, the reality of their vision has successfully been cultivated.

The incomprable Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is now the UK’s oldest professional symphony orchestra and its talented musicians have collaborated with artists such as Sir Paul McCartney and Elvis Costello.

The Everyman Bistro

The chic and cosy Everyman Bistro hosts the dazzling Liverpool Jazz Club on the first Wednesday of every month. Fusing the sound of jazz with sociable chit chat, you can sit back and relax as you catch up with friends in style.

The house band includes the talented Stan Williams, John Padfield, Andrew MacKenzie, David Fishel, Grant Russell and Ed Hannaby.

Each event features multiple sets performed by the house band. This is followed by a free-for-all jam session that we suspect you may want to give a go after a few tasty drinks from the bar!

Studio2

Studio2 was once one of the UK’s most famous recording studios, hosting famous faces including The Smiths, Coldplay, Take That and Moby. And today, its musical history lives on as a popular bar with regular live music events showcasing some of the best talent around the city.

Its origins certainly haven’t been left behind; you’ll notice that the dividing glass between the main room and the bar area has been left very much in tact.

The venue is tucked away on one of Liverpool’s cobbled streets, where you’re likely to stumble upon some of Liverpool’s most quirky independent bars and restaurants.

The Zanzibar Club

The Zanzibar Club is a small night club in Liverpool, bringing the city intimate yet dynamic music events. Some of the most famous acts to have taken to the stage are Noel Gallagher, The Coral and The Zutons.

However, if you ask a Liverpool local, they’re more likely to rave about the unsigned local talent, which is frequently showcased at this sentimental Liverpool venue. In fact, it’s a right of passage to head to a Zanzibar gig when you’re growing up in Liverpool. And if you haven’t been, you’re definitely missing out!

Liverpool’s music scene is truly one of a kind. We’re excited to see what the British Music Experience brings to the city this year, but meanwhile there’s plenty to keep you on your feet and dancing the night away.

If you have any suggestions for fantastic music attractions in Liverpool, just let us know in the comments!